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Time to tip off another season, what are your ideas?

The University of Maine’s Bella Swan (5) goes up for the tip against the University of New Hampshire’s Kaylee Kilpatrick to open a game last January at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. UMaine teams open this weekend while Maine high schools begin practices on Monday, Nov. 16. (Michael C. York/BDN)

Wow, how time flies.

It’s basketball season again with college and the NBA underway while the first Maine high school practice is set for Monday, Nov. 16.

This is the start of the fifth season of this blog/column. Basketball is the best cure for those long winter nights of “cabin fever” and makes the tough Maine winters pass quicker.

This year, I would like to give readers a preview of some of the topics I will be considering and ask their input for ideas.

Here are some potential topics:

— New rules for college and high school basketball;

— University of Maine men’s basketball schedule and why the Black Bears should play “Maine South,” Division II Bentley;

— New Bangor High boys basketball coach Carl Parker;

— How one phone call can change your life;

— The positives and negatives of the state’s new five basketball classes;

— Christmas gift ideas for basketball players, coaches and fans;

— New Year basketball resolutions for players, coaches, parents and fans.

— The all-time Bangor High School boys basketball team;

— Comparing basketball eras;

— Tourney previews;

— Why it may be harder for the Hampden Academy boys to win in Class A rather than Class AA;

— Will Maine high school basketball ever get a shot clock;

— Picking winners for the state championships;

— Who is the state’s best basketball player;

— Creating a standard contract for parents with children playing in all levels from middle school to high school;

— Maine high school basketball by the decades.

I’ve been lucky to have been involved in basketball for 72 consecutive years starting as a player in elementary school, middle school and high school in Bangor and then on to Husson College and semi-pro ball. Coaching began at the Bangor YMCA, then to Garland Street Junior High, Fort Fairfield High, Orono High, Bangor High and John Bapst Memorial High School. I also officiated high school and college basketball games and did a stint as a color analyst for WABI-TV and radio of Bangor.

Now, I’m happy to wind down my basketball career by being allowed a forum to to express my thoughts, opinions and observations..

I value readers’ input as well and would encourage you to e-mail me topics to mrp17@roadrunner.com or call me at 356-6787 to also discuss topics.